Introduction
Tracking your dog can provide peace of mind and help locate your pet if they ever get lost. According to recent statistics, over 10 million pets go missing in the U.S. every year (Source 1). Being able to track your dog’s location through GPS can make it easier to find them if they wander off.
There are a few options for tracking your dog using your iPhone. GPS pet trackers like Whistle or Tractive can be attached to your dog’s collar and sync with an app on your phone to show their location. Apple’s AirTags are another popular tracking accessory that work using Apple’s Find My network. There are also GPS tracking apps like Find My Pet that utilize your phone’s GPS to monitor your dog’s location.
This guide will go over the different tracking accessories and apps you can use with your iPhone to keep tabs on your furry friend.
What You’ll Need
To get started with GPS tracking your dog using your iPhone, you’ll need the following:
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iPhone – You’ll need an iPhone to install the tracking app and connect to the tracking accessory. The iPhone should be relatively new since older models may not work well with the latest apps and accessories.
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Tracking accessory – This is a physical device like an AirTag that attaches to your dog’s collar and enables tracking. AirTags use Apple’s Find My network, but there are other Bluetooth trackers as well.
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Tracking app – You’ll need an iOS app to interface with the tracking accessory and provide monitoring, location services, etc. Popular options include Find My, Whistle, Tractive, and more.
As long as you have these three essential components – an iPhone, tracking accessory, and app – you’ll have everything you need to start GPS tracking your dog.
Choose a Tracking Accessory
When choosing a tracking accessory for your dog, the main options are Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and dedicated GPS dog trackers.
AirTags and Tile trackers rely on Bluetooth connectivity and proximity to nearby iPhone users. This makes them best suited for tracking lost dogs that are likely to be found in populated areas. Their small size is a plus for attaching to a collar. However, their range is limited to around 100-200 ft and their non-replaceable batteries last 1-1.5 years [1].
In contrast, dedicated GPS dog trackers use cellular and satellite connectivity to provide tracking over long distances. Trackers like the Whistle GO Explore offer nationwide range, activity monitoring, and rechargeable batteries that last up to 10 days per charge. However, they are larger and bulkier than AirTags or Tiles.
For most pet owners, a real-time GPS tracker is the best option to track wandering or lost dogs even in remote areas. But an AirTag or Tile can also be a cheaper alternative for dogs that don’t roam too far.
Set Up the Accessory
Once you have your tracking accessory, you’ll need to sync it with your iPhone and enable location permissions before you can start tracking your dog’s location.
First, turn on your tracking accessory and pair it with your iPhone via Bluetooth. Refer to the accessory’s instructions for the exact pairing steps, as they can vary. Typically, you’ll need to put the accessory in pairing mode, go to Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, select the accessory when it appears in the list of available devices, and confirm pairing.
Next, launch the companion app for your accessory. You may need to create an account and register your accessory to your account. Follow the in-app setup process to sync the accessory with your phone.
Finally, you’ll want to enable location permissions for the accessory’s app on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, select the app, and choose “Always Allow” so the app can access your location data at all times for tracking purposes.
Once Bluetooth is paired and locations are enabled, your accessory will be able to communicate tracking data to your iPhone.
Install a Tracking App
Some of the most recommended iPhone apps for dog tracking include DogLog, Tractive GPS, and Whistle GPS Pet Tracker according to Rover. These apps allow you to view your dog’s location in real-time, follow their daily activities and routes, and get notifications if they leave a designated area.
The permissions needed for these dog tracking apps typically include location access, motion sensors, and notifications. Location access allows the app to pinpoint your dog’s GPS coordinates. Motion sensors from your phone track your dog’s movements and activity levels. Notifications alert you if your dog leaves a safe zone or needs attention based on their tracked data and location.
Configuring the Tracking App
Once the tracking app is installed on your iPhone, you’ll need to configure it to connect with your dog’s tracking accessory and set up notifications. Here are the key steps:
Connect the App to the Tracking Accessory
Open the app and go to the settings or connect page. Tap on your tracking accessory to pair it with the app. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process. The app may require entering the accessory ID or scanning a QR code printed on the tracker.
Set Up Safe Zones and Notifications
Most tracking apps allow you to designate safe zones for your dog, like your home or backyard. The app can then send you notifications if your dog leaves a safe zone. Go to the app’s zones section and tap to add your home location and any other safe places. Adjust the size of the zones on the map if needed.
You can also customize what notifications you receive, like alerts for location changes or battery status. Enable or disable notifications in the app’s settings based on what alerts are helpful for you.
With the tracking accessory paired and notifications configured, your app is ready to start monitoring your dog’s location and keeping you informed!
Attach the Accessory
Once you have set up the tracking accessory and installed the accompanying app, it’s time to attach the accessory to your dog’s collar or harness. The best placement is usually on the collar close to the dog’s neck or on the top/back of a harness.
For collar placement, slide the collar through the AirTag holder or tracking accessory and center it near the buckle where it will be least likely to get caught or tangled. Make sure it is securely fastened. For a harness, clip the tracking accessory to the top or upper back area of the harness straps, centering it between the shoulders. Again, ensure it is securely attached.
The key things to keep in mind are:
- Place the tracking accessory high up on the collar or harness for best GPS signal reception.
- Avoid dangling attachments that could get caught or be a choking hazard.
- Check periodically that the accessory is still securely fastened.
- Consider placing another identifier tag on the collar in case the tracking accessory gets separated.
With the accessory properly attached in an optimal location, you are ready to start tracking your dog’s location and activity.
Test the Tracking
Once you have attached the tracking accessory to your dog’s collar and configured the app, it’s time to test that everything is working properly. Open the tracking app on your iPhone and you should see your dog’s location displayed on a map. The AirTag leverages Apple’s extensive Find My network, so it can provide locations updated in real-time as your dog moves around.
According to testing done by AppleInsider.com, the AirTag provides location updates frequently, sometimes as often as every couple of seconds if your dog is moving. You’ll be able to watch your dog’s location update on the map in real-time. The accuracy can be within a few feet thanks to Apple’s Precision Finding feature. This allows you to pinpoint your dog’s location even when they are hiding around the house.
Take your dog for a short walk around the block to test the tracking. You should see their position updating in the app as they move. Make sure to test the range as well by walking further away while monitoring the tracking. Apple states the AirTag has an approximate range of up to 328 feet or 100 meters. Real-world tests have shown the AirTag can maintain a connection even further when there is a clear line of sight.
Extra Tips
Here are some extra tips to help ensure successful GPS tracking of your dog with your iPhone:
Keep iPhone Battery Charged
Be sure to keep your iPhone fully charged whenever you have your dog out and about. GPS tracking can drain your battery faster, so starting with a full charge gives you the most tracking time. Consider bringing a portable charger with you on long trips, just in case.
Replace Tracker Battery
If your tracking accessory runs on a replaceable battery, be diligent about switching it out regularly. Dead batteries mean no tracking capabilities. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for ideal battery replacement frequency.
Use a Sturdy Case
Protect your iPhone with a sturdy, protective case. Accidents happen, and you don’t want a damaged phone interfering with your ability to track your pup. A waterproof case is also a good idea for outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
GPS tracking your dog with an iPhone can provide valuable insight into your pup’s wanderings and let you keep them safe. While there are some limitations, such as battery life and connectivity, the overall benefits makes the small effort worthwhile.
We walked through choosing a dedicated GPS tracker accessory or smart collar, pairing it with your iPhone, installing and configuring a tracking app, and testing that everything works. With just these basic steps, you can start keeping tabs on your dog any time they head out.
Just remember that the iPhone itself must maintain a cellular or WiFi connection to update your dog’s location. And the tracking accessory needs to be recharged regularly. But used properly, you can get peace of mind and make sure your furry friend stays out of trouble.